Brenda Kemling, PT, DPT, OCS, RehabVisions’ Director of Operations – Outpatient Clinics is the newly elected President of APTA Iowa.

Her term began by attending the APTA Leadership Congress and House of Delegates in Washington, D.C. from July 21-24, 2023.

Brenda Kemling, PT, DPT, OCS

At the event, Brenda had the opportunity to connect with fellow State/Component Presidents, Presidents-Elect and APTA staff.

“I took over as APTA Iowa President on July 1, so this was the first year I’ve participated,” said Brenda. “I learned about specific APTA initiatives relating to our members, the general public and legislation.”

As President, Brenda is a voting member in the House of Delegates where critical decisions affecting the association and the physical therapy profession are made. “I gained insight into how motions are presented, debated and voted on,” said Brenda. “The House also elects national leaders to the APTA Board of Directors and APTA Nominating Committee.”

Brenda’s focus for her 2-year term is to be the voice for APTA Iowa physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. “My role is to understand their concerns and pain points and address the issues impacting their daily work life,” said Brenda. “I collaborate with the Board Members to discuss how best to solve those problems and advance our profession.”

In many ways, this role is similar to her responsibilities as Director of Operations – Clinic Division. “My job at RehabVisions is to support our clinic managers and their teams, so we remain a viable, growing business providing quality patient care.”

Brenda (3rd from right) with fellow participants at APTA Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Brenda has been actively involved at both the state and federal level of APTA for the past 13 years. When asked why, she stated “Membership in professional associations such as APTA is vitally important, especially when much of our practice is directed by state and federal legislation. Without members, we have no seat at the table to help implement change, no lobbyists fighting for us, and no one expressing the concerns of our patients and the care they receive or don’t receive.  Professional associations guide and support us in how to remain relevant in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.”

Visit APTA Strategic Plan 2022-2025  to learn more about APTA’s goals and outcomes relating to Member Value, Sustainable Profession, Quality of Care, Demand and Access.

APTA Iowa Strategic Plan 2023-2025 includes 4 initiatives: Effective Communication, District Decision, Leadership Opportunities, and Membership Value.